This year, shop owners and community organizations are encouraging you to save your holiday dollars to support local business on Small Business Saturday. Founded by American Express, the nationwide event serves to encourage people to shop at small businesses.
With Westbury and Carle Place nestled minutes away from several major malls, this event is a great reminder to not forget the “little guys,” said Westbury Business Improvement District (B.I.D.) President Bernard Ramchatesingh.
“Across the country, this event has picked up steam in driving home the message that it’s important to shop small and take care of local business owners. We want to support the downtown community and local business owners who are working hard by providing business to customers,” said Ramchatesingh. “And a lot of these local business owners are from the community.”
There are plenty of small businesses along Westbury Avenue in Carle Place perfect for holiday shopping. Whether you’re looking for pastries, flowers, art or other gift items, there’s a variety of local shops that have unique offerings.
Like in years prior, the Westbury B.I.D. has encouraged shopping local by mailing B.I.D. Dollars, free gift certificates in various amounts that can be redeemed at participating retailers, to residents in Westbury, Carle Place and Old Westbury.
“Last year residents spent $14,000 B.I.D. dollars. They’ve increased every year,” said Kristen Schaefer, B.I.D. Marketing Director. “But this is the first year we’re doing a major push for Small Business Saturday. We’re hoping it will work out and that we can do this every year.”
That “major push” includes several fun events to attract shoppers to come through Post Avenue throughout the day.
Various organizations in the village of Westbury are luring shoppers to come through Post Avenue with events and specials throughout the day. There’s a holiday mart/flea market in the piazza from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Vendors will have gift items like crafts, clothing, homemade Christmas cards and ornaments. Wheatley Hills Discount Wine and Spirits will be having free red wine tastings on Friday Nov. 28 from 4 to 7 p.m. and Nov. 29 from 1 to 4 p.m.; and again from 4 to 7 p.m.
The B.I.D. is also sponsoring a small business scavenger hunt. Participants are invited to come to the piazza at 2:15 p.m. and take part in the hour-long hunt, where they will have to solve clues at various local shops. The event ends at the Westbury Recreation Center.
Though not technically a part of Small Business Saturday, Post Avenue will already have its fair share of visitors due to the Christmas Tree Lighting at 4 p.m. in front of the Recreation Center. There will be live holiday music, refreshments and a visit from Santa.
